All the window holes have been carefully cutout at the factory. The color scheme shown in the photos is exactly what came out of the box. The modeler only needs to assemble the mechanics. So, I finally full-filled my dream and built a tandem RC helicopter. I chose the CH-47 Chinook because the real CH­47 is a bigger, heavier and more modern helicopter than the CH-46. The full size CH-47 is still in production today by Boeing Helicopter Company in Philadelphia and the new CH-47 F version is a very modern and capable transport helicopter.
The Hirobo CH-47 model is a 1 to 9.625 scale-flying model that comes with two scale looking 3-bladed main rotors, six wood rotor blades, an aluminum muffler, a 3-axis gyro system and an electronic mixer unit. The only other items needed are; seven servos, a receiver and a 50-size helicopter engine. This is a very complete kit. The instruction manual has 79 pages. The building portion is straightforward and no components require re-work. This is not a project for beginners. It takes about 40-hours to finish the kit. Some modelers may be able to do it in less time. I have noticed with each year, I become more experienced in building models, but it now takes me longer to build a new kit. One would think it should be the other way around, but I think it's because I have become more careful hence, it takes me longer to assemble each new model.

The MS Composit company from the Czech Republic and Ikarus from Germany are two companies that pioneered micro electric helicopter six years ago. MS Composit has sold many Hornets worldwide in the last six years, and this year MS introduced three new Hornets! Surprisingly, at the 2005 Nuremberg Toy Fair, MS Composit and its competitor, Ikarus, announced that they have formed an alliance to help market each others' products in Europe and to jointly develop some future products. Their newest joint venture consists of two new small electric helicopters with a rotor diameter of 0.7 and 0.9 meters. MS calls theirs the Stinger and Ikarus calls theirs the Viper, and they have slightly different specs. Our Nuremberg Toy Fair report in the July 2005 issue has all details. In the US, MS Composit and Ikarus products are still distributed by different agents. MS models are handled in the US by MS Composit-USA out of California. MS Composit USA is also the distributor of Mr. Carbon products.

Now in its fourth installment, the 2005 International eXtreme Flight Championships, presented by Futaba has grown into a major competition for the planet's top 3D pilots from both the fixed and rotor wing disciplines. In 2005 the prize money, awards, and notoriety up for grabs at the historic Waco Field in Troy, Ohio has reached an all-new pinnacle!
With its unique format, which frequently alternates between the helicopter and airplane groups, plus offers the fans a professional air show at halftime each day, the XFC has become the ultimate spectator experience for the aerobatic flight enthusiast!

Due to popular demand, that I have received through various e-mails and private messages, here is a modification that will help unleash more of the BCP's flying potential with minimal costs. I've done the following mod to my BCP's while testing and flying this great little micro e-heli. If you thought it flew good before you will be very happy with this mod, as it will give very positive results. This article it designed to shortcut the trial and error testing by BCP owners to help them get results fast. Please note that if you attempt the modification outlined in this article that you will be voiding any warranty from E-Flite/Horizon Hobby since the article suggests to "self" modify certain components from their original stock condition. Also note that my "JR Receiver Hack" as I have named it and outlined here is recommended for intermediate/advanced pilots who are familiar with collective pitch heli set up. It also assumes that the pilot is familiar with 120 CCPM heli set up and that they assume all responsibility in making sure that all wires, connections, and remounting is done correctly. PLEASE BE CAREFUL and treat any modification that you do to your BCP, or any heli for that matter, with respect. Once you have completed any mod you should warm up to the heli again and treat the first flight cautiously as you would with any new heli or set up, since it may be vastly different as to how it performed, hovered and flew prior to the modifying. That being said, I will say that if you decide to do this modification that you will get a better flying heli that has more power with a small amount of tinkering while spending the least amount of money in new purchased items. OK, with the disclaimer out of the waylet's gett'er done!

THello, this is Norman and I am back to talk about the Raptor 50 SE, the CSM Revlock governor, CSM 420 gyro, and Zimmermann 50 muffler that I have been enjoying with great success. Mike Mas reviewed the Raptor 50 SE in the March/April 2005 Rotory Modeler when it just came out. The goal this month is to share some tuning and set up tips for the Raptor 50 SE.
Here's the equipment I am using: a stock Raptor 50 SE kit, a TT 50 Pro Heli engine, a Zimmermann 50-size steel muffler designed for the R50 and Evo 50, Thunder Tiger 600 mm carbon main rotor blades, Thunder Tiger 95 mm carbon tail rotor blades, a CSM 420 heading lock micro gyro, a Hitec HS-6565 high speed servo for tail rotor, CSM Revlock engine governor, Powermaster 30% nitro all-synthetic lubricant fuel, and OS #8 glow plug.
First of all, a 50-class model is a great way to learn 3-D flying since its power-to-weight ratio is about as good as 90-size models. The climb rate of a good 50-size model can be fantastic. Modern 50-class helicopter engines can generate 1.7 to 1.9 horsepower, and putting that in a 7-pound Raptor 50 makes it peel out like a bat out of hell.